EP0860648A2 - Système automatisé pour la poursuite de bouteilles de gaz - Google Patents

Système automatisé pour la poursuite de bouteilles de gaz Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0860648A2
EP0860648A2 EP98250044A EP98250044A EP0860648A2 EP 0860648 A2 EP0860648 A2 EP 0860648A2 EP 98250044 A EP98250044 A EP 98250044A EP 98250044 A EP98250044 A EP 98250044A EP 0860648 A2 EP0860648 A2 EP 0860648A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas cylinder
read
gas
monitoring system
cylinder
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98250044A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0860648A3 (fr
Inventor
Henry J. Mccarrick
William T. Leyden, Iii
Khanh H. Tran
John F. Jordon, Iii
Kevin C. Ross
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
EMD Millipore Corp
Original Assignee
Millipore Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Millipore Corp filed Critical Millipore Corp
Publication of EP0860648A2 publication Critical patent/EP0860648A2/fr
Publication of EP0860648A3 publication Critical patent/EP0860648A3/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07F—COIN-FREED OR LIKE APPARATUS
    • G07F7/00—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus
    • G07F7/06—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles
    • G07F7/0609—Mechanisms actuated by objects other than coins to free or to actuate vending, hiring, coin or paper currency dispensing or refunding apparatus by returnable containers, i.e. reverse vending systems in which a user is rewarded for returning a container that serves as a token of value, e.g. bottles by fluid containers, e.g. bottles, cups, gas containers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/06—Energy or water supply
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/002—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels for vessels under pressure
    • F17C13/003—Means for coding or identifying them and/or their contents
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C13/00—Details of vessels or of the filling or discharging of vessels
    • F17C13/02—Special adaptations of indicating, measuring, or monitoring equipment
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D9/00—Level control, e.g. controlling quantity of material stored in vessel
    • G05D9/12—Level control, e.g. controlling quantity of material stored in vessel characterised by the use of electric means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G06Q10/087—Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
    • G06Q20/08—Payment architectures
    • G06Q20/20—Point-of-sale [POS] network systems
    • G06Q20/203—Inventory monitoring
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00—Information and communication technology [ICT] specially adapted for implementation of business processes of specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/10—Services
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/01—Shape
    • F17C2201/0104—Shape cylindrical
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2201/00—Vessel construction, in particular geometry, arrangement or size
    • F17C2201/03—Orientation
    • F17C2201/032—Orientation with substantially vertical main axis
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0103—Exterior arrangements
    • F17C2205/0111—Boxes
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/01—Mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0153—Details of mounting arrangements
    • F17C2205/0173—Details of mounting arrangements lockable
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2205/00—Vessel construction, in particular mounting arrangements, attachments or identifications means
    • F17C2205/05—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels
    • F17C2205/057—Vessel or content identifications, e.g. labels by chips
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/01—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the phase
    • F17C2223/0146—Two-phase
    • F17C2223/0153—Liquefied gas, e.g. LPG, GPL
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2223/00—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel
    • F17C2223/03—Handled fluid before transfer, i.e. state of fluid when stored in the vessel or before transfer from the vessel characterised by the pressure level
    • F17C2223/033—Small pressure, e.g. for liquefied gas
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/03—Control means
    • F17C2250/032—Control means using computers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2250/00—Accessories; Control means; Indicating, measuring or monitoring of parameters
    • F17C2250/04—Indicating or measuring of parameters as input values
    • F17C2250/0404—Parameters indicated or measured
    • F17C2250/0421—Mass or weight of the content of the vessel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2260/00—Purposes of gas storage and gas handling
    • F17C2260/02—Improving properties related to fluid or fluid transfer
    • F17C2260/024—Improving metering
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F17—STORING OR DISTRIBUTING GASES OR LIQUIDS
    • F17C—VESSELS FOR CONTAINING OR STORING COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED OR SOLIDIFIED GASES; FIXED-CAPACITY GAS-HOLDERS; FILLING VESSELS WITH, OR DISCHARGING FROM VESSELS, COMPRESSED, LIQUEFIED, OR SOLIDIFIED GASES
    • F17C2270/00—Applications
    • F17C2270/05—Applications for industrial use
    • F17C2270/0518—Semiconductors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a computerized gas cylinder monitoring system and a process for monitoring gas cylinders.
  • process gases may be purchased and/or stored in bulk quantities and supplied via a direct pipeline from the producer. In many cases, however, the quantity of gas required does not warrant purchasing or storing the gases in bulk quantities. In other cases, the gases may not be available in bulk quantities.
  • gas cylinder When it is not desirable to purchase process gases in bulk quantities, or when a particular gas is not available in bulk quantities, the gas is typically supplied in a pressurized cylinder or tank.
  • gas cylinder includes cylinders and tanks used to store liquified gases and gases absorbed or contained in media inside the cylinder or tank as well as cylinders or tanks used to store material in the gas phase. Such cylinders or tanks can range in size from 5.0 Kg. to 500 Kg. and larger.
  • process gases will be supplied in cylinders and these cylinders will be placed at various locations in the manufacturing facility. For example, in the semiconductor fabrication industry, a variety of process gases used for different process steps are typically supplied in cylinders.
  • the present invention provides an automated gas cylinder monitoring system.
  • the invention includes data storage devices associated with individual gas cylinders, data read/write devices for writing data to, and reading data from, the gas cylinder data storage device and a host computer. Data collected from the gas cylinder data storage devices may be input into the host computer for tracking and reporting purposes.
  • the data storage device associated with an individual cylinder comprises an inventory control collar placed on the neck of a gas storage cylinder or tank.
  • a pressure gauge for monitoring the pressure in the cylinder may be included as part of the data storage device.
  • the inventory control collar includes a resident memory that is capable of storing such general inventory control information as a collar identification number, container serial number, owner name and site, product code, product material, DOT hazard classification, content fill level, tare weight, content level during use, fill site and date, and shelf life.
  • Shipping information that may also be stored includes origin point (including company name, site and code), shipping manifest number, shipping date, destination point (including company name and site), destination order number and product, destination receiving date and by whom received.
  • Transfer information may also be stored and include the transfer point (including company name and site), manifest number, destination point (including company name and site), order number, destination receiving data and by whom received. Further, certification data may be stored and include record number, certifier, analysis and specification limits.
  • the resident memory may also be used to record additional manufacturing information such as upset conditions, process steps and operator notations. All of the above listed information is not necessarily stored in the resident memory of the inventory control collar. It may be desirable in some cases to store certain information in the host computer.
  • the data read/write device used with the inventory control collar comprises an inventory control collar probe.
  • the probe is placed in contact with an inventory control collar (data read/write device) to read data from, and write data to the collar.
  • two circumferential probe conductor rings are imbedded in the inventory control collar and exposed on the upper surface of the collar.
  • the inventory control collar includes a first conductive ring exposed on the top of the collar electrically connected to a memory, and a second conductive ring exposed on the top of the collar that is also electrically connected to the memory.
  • the inventory control probe includes a probe tip and a first pair of terminal contacts on the probe tip for simultaneously contacting the conductive rings of the inventory control collar.
  • the probe also includes a body housing movably connected at a first end to the probe tip, a pair of data transfer terminal contacts located on a bottom portion of the body housing and a handle housing connected at a second end to the probe body housing.
  • Data read and written to the inventory control collar is stored in the memory of the inventory control probe until it is downloaded to a host computer system or used to perform an independent action based on a programmed response. For example, inventory items may be accepted or rejected at a particular location based on user defined criteria such as gas type or quality.
  • the data read/write device used with the inventory control collar comprises an inventory control docking station and control module for reading and writing data to and from an inventory control collar.
  • the inventory control docking station includes a probe tip and a first pair of terminal contacts on the probe tip for simultaneously contacting the conductive rings of the inventory control collar.
  • the docking station also includes a docking station housing connected by an electrical conductor to the probe tip housing and a pair of data transfer terminal contacts disposed on the docking station body housing for providing a transmission link to an inventory control module.
  • the inventory control module for reading and writing data to and from the inventory control docking station includes a control module housing, a pair of data transfer terminal contacts for contacting the data transfer terminal contacts on the docking station microprocessor and a memory.
  • the present invention in a further embodiment, incorporates an interlock system for preventing the inadvertent connection of a cylinder of the wrong gas at a particular location in the process.
  • gas cylinders are stored in enclosures such as cabinets.
  • the cabinets are equipped with data read/write devices connected to a controller on each cabinet which locks the cabinet.
  • the read/write devices and/or the cabinet controller is preprogrammed to accept only a particular type of gas.
  • the read/write device may be connected to a host computer which has been preprogrammed to allow access to the cabinet only after it has been confirmed that the gas cylinder to be loaded contains the correct gas.
  • the data read/write device is used to read the information stored on the gas cylinder data storage device associated with the particular cylinder, including the particular type of gas stored in the cylinder. If the cylinder does not contain the correct gas, the cabinet controller will not unlock the cabinet.
  • the gas cylinder monitoring system of the present invention also provides desirable safety features.
  • the consumption rate of a given process gas is constant and predictable based on the throughput of the process or other factors.
  • the cylinder replacement cycle may be predicted based upon historical data.
  • the rate of gas consumption may be variable, requiring monitoring of flow rate, cylinder pressure or cylinder weight in order to avoid depleting the supply of process gas and shutting down the operation. In such cases it is desirable to provide for remote monitoring of the gas cylinder in order to prevent unplanned shutdowns and reduce the need for operator monitoring.
  • process gas cylinders are mounted or positioned on scales and/or equipped with flow gauges or pressure gauges. Output signals from the scales or gauges are input into data read/write devices for transmission to a host computer for monitoring.
  • the present invention can be used for inventory management, raw materials tracking, and to prevent downtime associated with running out of a particular process gas.
  • the inventory control system may also be utilized to provide an interlock to prevent a cylinder of the wrong type of gas from being installed at particular location.
  • the host computer of the automated gas cylinder monitoring system of the present invention is programmed to calculate and display a cylinder replacement schedule based on information transmitted to the host computer from the read/write device.
  • FIGURE 1 the automated gas cylinder monitoring system of the present invention is schematically illustrated.
  • a plurality of inventory control collars 100 are accessed with inventory control probes 300 for transmission of data to or from the inventory control collars 100.
  • the inventory control probes 300 are, in turn accessed by a host computer 800, either directly or through a local area network interface 810. Alternatively, the inventory control collars may be accessed through the use of a control module 500 and docking station 700.
  • Information regarding a particular cylinder may be retrieved and displayed on one or more workstations 820. For example, the location and contents of a particular cylinder may be retrieved and displayed.
  • the host computer 800 may also be interfaced with one or more additional host computers 800' at remote locations, for example, at a suppliers facility.
  • the inventory control probe 300 includes a internal micro-processor 305, battery recharge circuit 320 and battery 321.
  • the micro-processor contains both read only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM), for example a 32K ROM and a 32K RAM.
  • the inventory control probe 300 further includes an RS232 terminal 322 as an interface to a transmission link to a host computer and terminal 323 as an interface to a transmission link to a smart collar 100 or a smart tag.
  • the control module 500 includes an internal micro-processor 505 with, for example, 32K ROM and 32K RAM.
  • the control module 500 further includes terminals as an interface to a transmission link to the network interface 810 and a repeater 900 for amplifying transmitted or received signals.
  • the control module 500 also includes terminals as an interface to a transmission link 590 to the docking station 700 via docking station terminals 705.
  • the docking station 700 includes an RS232 terminal 722 as a transmission link for data transmission to and from a host computer and an interface network 711 as a transmission link to an inventory control collar 100 or a smart tag.
  • the docking station 700 also includes - transmission links 724, 725, 726, 727, 728 and 729 for an input bar code reader, (not shown) one or more LEDs, first and second analog inputs, a relay output, and a power supply, respectively.
  • an input bar code reader (not shown) one or more LEDs, first and second analog inputs, a relay output, and a power supply, respectively.
  • FIGURE 4 there is illustrated by means of a flow diagram the operation of the automated gas cylinder monitoring system of the present invention.
  • an inventory control collar FIGURES 6 and 6A
  • FIGURES 6 and 6A an inventory control collar
  • FIGURES 6 and 6A an inventory control collar
  • FIGURES 6 and 6A the information recorded in the memory of the collar.
  • a record or file for the collar is created and stored in the host computer 800.
  • the information required to create a record of an inventory control collar and to initialize the collar is first entered into the host computer (step 1200).
  • Information used to create a record of the inventory control collar in a host computer and to initialize the collar may include: the collar identification number, container serial number, owner name and site, current location, product code, product material, DOT hazard classification, content fill level, tare weight, content level during use, fill site and date, and shelf life.
  • Additional information that may be used to initialize an inventory control collar includes the origin point of the cylinder, manifest number, shipping date, destination, destination order number and product, destination receiving date and by whom received. Certification data may also be recorded in the inventory control collar's resident memory, including analysis and specification limits.
  • the data read/write device comprises the inventory control probe 300 (FIGURES 7-9) or the docking station 700 with a control module 500 (FIGURES 10 and 11).
  • the inventory control probe 300 or control module 500 is then connected or docked (step 1230) to the inventory control collar and the initialization information is transmitted (step 1240) to the resident memory 200 (FIGURE 6A) of the inventory control collar. If the inventory control collar has not been installed on the cylinder, it is then installed and the cylinder may be placed in storage or into service.
  • a data read/write device comprising an inventory control probe 300 or a docking station 700 with a control module 500 is coupled to an inventory control collar associated with a particular gas cylinder (step 1300).
  • the data read/write device accesses the resident memory of the inventory control collar (step 1310) and records information stored in the memory.
  • the information retrieved from the inventory control collar 100 may include the cylinder weight, cylinder pressure, the flow rate of the gas exiting the cylinder and/or the total flow from the cylinder over a preselect period of time or the supply cycle of the cylinder.
  • the information stored in the resident memory of the inventory control collar 100 may also include the date when the cylinder was last filled, the date when the cylinder was placed into service, the date when the collar was last accessed by a read/write device, the shelf life expiration date of the material in the cylinder and the anticipated date upon which the cylinder will require replacement or refilling.
  • the device compares the recorded values to preprogrammed functionalities stored in the read/write device (step 1320). For example, in the case of a cylinder replacement, the read/write device compares the product data from the inventory control collar 100 with preprogrammed data associated with the particular cylinder enclosure to insure that a cylinder contains the correct type of process gas.
  • the host computer 800 controls the operation of the particular cylinder enclosure based upon data transmitted to the host computer from the read/write device.
  • the recorded values are transmitted to the host computer 800, either directly or via a network interface (step 1330).
  • the host computer Based upon the data received from the read/write device, the host computer initiates a number of different actions during step 1340 including, but not limited to, scheduling a cylinder for replacement or refilling, ordering a new cylinder, generating a cylinder replacement schedule based upon the information received, transmitting an alarm in the event that process parameters have exceeded predetermined limits or directing that a cylinder be retrieved from storage for anticipated replacement (step 1340).
  • the inventory control collar 100 (data storage device) includes a generally circumferential housing 120 defining a central opening 170 for receiving the neck 1010 of a gas cylinder 1000.
  • the housing 120 includes a bottom ledge 180 projecting inwardly into the central opening 170.
  • An inventory control collar locking ring 10 seats into a depression 110 in the collar and rests on the bottom ledge 180.
  • the inventory control collar locking ring 10 is positioned around the cylindrical neck 1010 of the gas cylinder 1000 and on top of the previously installed inventory control collar 100.
  • the locking ring 10 is sized to be received on a locking surface 110 in the inventory control collar 100 to secure the inventory control collar 100 on the storage container 1000.
  • a plurality of inwardly disposed flexible tabs 16 are equally spaced around the inside perimeter of the central opening 14 for engagement of the neck 1010 of the gas cylinder 1000. It will be appreciated that the tabs 16 provide an interference fit with the cylinder neck 1010 upon installation of the locking ring 10 over the inventory control collar.
  • the polymeric collar housing 120 has a truncated conal exterior shape with a knee 121 projecting from the exterior circumference.
  • the knee 121 contains the memory 200.
  • a first conductive ring 150 and a second conductive ring 160 are seated in a groove 130 in the top of the collar housing 120.
  • An insulating retainer ring 140 is inserted from the top between the first conductive ring 150 and the second conductive ring 160.
  • the conductive ring 150 begins at the knee 121 and extends circumferentially around the top of the collar housing 120 and terminates in a down-turned portion 151 at the knee 121.
  • the second ring 160 begins at the knee 121 and extends circumferentially around the top of the collar housing 120 and terminates in a down-turned portion 161 at the knee 121.
  • the retainer ring 140 begins at the knee 121 and extends circumferentially around the collar housing 120 and terminates at a knee cover 141 (FIGURE 6) which is formed integrally with the retainer ring 140.
  • the down-turned portions 151 of the first conductive ring 150 is connected to a first contact terminal (not shown) of the memory 200.
  • the down-turned portion of the second conductive ring 160 is connected to a second contact terminal (not shown) of the memory 200.
  • the probe comprises three general sections: an elongated body section 301, a probe tip 310 attached to a first end of the body section, and a handle 302 removably attached to the second end of the body section 301.
  • the probe body section 301 has a corresponding housing 401
  • the handle 302 has a corresponding housing 402
  • the probe tip 310 has a corresponding housing 410.
  • the probe tip housing 410 of the inventory control probe 300 is generally "C" shaped. Disposed on the inner side of the top of the "C" of the probe tip housing 410 are terminal tips 312 and 314 for transmitting data to and reading data from a memory of the inventory control collar 100 (FIGURES 6 and 6A) by contacting the conductive rings 150 and 160 exposed on the upper surface of the inventory control collar.
  • the lower portion of the "C" shaped probe tip housing 410 assists in grasping and securing the probe tip 310 to the inventory control collar 100 during data transmission.
  • the inventory control probe 300 includes an operating switch (not shown) that is activated by a button 352 disposed on the top of the housing 401. Also located on the top of the housing 401 are a plurality of LEDs 360, 362 and 364 for indicating various conditions. For example, LED 360 indicates when proper contact is achieved between the probe tip contacts 314 and 312 and the collar conductor rings 150 and 160.
  • data is written and read from the inventory control collar 100 with the inventory control probe 300 by concurrently touching the probe tip 310, having terminal tips 312 and 314 to the conductive rings 150 and 160 exposed on the upper surface of the inventory control collar 100. Data is transmitted through the conductive rings 150 and 160 to and from the memory 200.
  • FIGURES 10 and 11 illustrate a control module 500 and a docking station 700 (data read/rite device).
  • the control module 500 and docking station 700 work in concert to perform inventory control management.
  • a "C" shaped collar clip 710 (see FIGURE 10) is a part of the docking station for attachment to the inventory control collar 100 in the same manner as probe tip 310.
  • the collar clip 710 includes contacts 712 and 714 that engage the conductive rings 150 and 160 (FIGURE 6A) exposed on the upper surface of the inventory control collar 100.
  • the lower portion of the collar clip 710 aids in securing the collar clip to the inventory control collar 100 during data transmission.
  • Collar clip 710 includes an interconnecting line 711 that connects the collar clip with the docking station 700.
  • the control module 500 includes contacts (not shown) on the housing bottom that mate with corresponding contacts disposed on the top of the docking station 700. When in the docked position, the control module 500 operates to transmit and receive data from an inventory control collar 100 or a data tag (not shown) in the same manner as the self-contained inventory control probe 300.
  • a plurality of LEDs 560, 562 and 564 indicate the status of various functions in the control module.
  • a gas cylinder 1020 is positioned in a cylinder cabinet 1040.
  • a locking device 1060 secures the door 1030 of the cylinder cabinet in a locked position during normal operations.
  • the cylinder cabinet is also provided with a cylinder cabinet controller 1050 that controls the operation of the cylinder cabinet locking device 1060.
  • the cylinder cabinet controller also interfaces with the docking station 700 and the control module 500.
  • the control module 500 is preprogrammed to permit the cylinder cabinet controller to actuate the locking device and unlock the cylinder cabinet for cylinder replacement only if the information recorded in the memory of the inventory collar 100 indicates that the replacement cylinder contains the correct gas.
  • control module 500 is preprogrammed to access the host computer 800 to determine the correct type of process gas to be used at the particular location and allow the cabinet to be unlocked only if connected to an inventory control collar installed on a cylinder containing the correct type of gas.
  • a replacement cylinder (not shown) with an inventory control collar 100 is positioned at a location where the docking station 700 can be connected to the inventory control collar 100 installed cn the replacement cylinder.
  • Collar clip 710 (FIGURE 10) is attached to the inventory control collar of the replacement cylinder and the control module 500 receives data, including the type of gas contained in the cylinder, from the inventory control collar. If the replacement cylinder contains the correct type of gas, the control module 500 interfaces with the cabinet controller 1050 to allow the cylinder cabinet 1040 to be opened.
  • control module 500 will not allow the cabinet controller 1050 to actuate the locking device 1060 to unlock the cylinder cabinet 1040. Additionally, control module 500 is programmed to cause an alarm, either locally, or through the host computer 800 in the event that there is an attempt to install a cylinder containing the wrong type of gas at the particular location.
  • the gas cylinder 1020 is positioned in the cylinder cabinet 1040 on top of weight scale 1070.
  • the scale 1070 is electronically coupled to the inventory control collar 100 to continuously or periodically transmit and record the weight of a cylinder 1020 for inventory control purposes.
  • the Inventory control collar 100 is accessed by an inventory control probe 300 or a control module 500 the weight of the gas cylinder 1020 is transmitted and recorded.
  • the weight of the cylinder 1020 is then transmitted to the host computer 800.
  • the host computer 800 is programmed to compare the transmitted weight of the gas cylinder 1020 to a preselected value, for example the weight of the cylinder when 95% of the gas is depleted, and automatically schedule the cylinder for replacement or otherwise indicate that the cylinder needs to be replaced.
  • control module 500 or host computer 800 is programmed to compute and display the rate at which the gas in the cylinder is being used and cause an alarm in the event that the rate of gas consumption varies outside of preselected limits.
  • the automated gas cylinder monitoring system of the present invention also includes a leak detection and alarm function.
  • gas cylinder cabinet 1040 is equipped with a gas monitor 1045 electronically coupled to a control module 500 through a docking station 700.
  • a signal is transmitted to the control module 500 to transmit a signal to the host computer 800.
  • the host computer 800 activates an alarm indicating the presence of process gas in the cabinet.
  • process gas from a gas cylinder 1020 flows through a gas supply line 1080.
  • a flowmeter 1090 measures the flow rate of the process gas from the cylinder 1020.
  • the flowmeter 1090 is equipped with an integrator 1100 to record the total amount of gas flowing from the cylinder during a given time period or over the supply cycle of the cylinder.
  • the flowmeter 1090 is electronically coupled to an inventory control collar 100 to continuously or periodically transmit and record the flow rate of the process gas from the cylinder 1020 and/or the total flow over a selected period of time.
  • the flow rate of the process gas from the cylinder 1020 and/or the total flow over a selected period of time is transmitted and recorded.
  • the instantaneous flow rate and/or the total flow from the cylinder 1020 is then transmitted to the host computer 800.
  • the host computer 800 is programmed to compare the instantaneous flow rate and/or total flow preselected values, for example the predicted instantaneous flow rate based on the particular process and the theoretical volume of gas in the cylinder.
  • the host computer is programmed to use the flow rate information to predict when the supply of gas in the cylinder will be depleted and automatically schedule the cylinder for refilling or replacement or otherwise indicate that the cylinder needs to be replaced.
  • the host computer 800 is preprogrammed to indicate to an operator that the cylinder needs to be replaced or refilled when the information is transmitted.
  • the control module 500 or host computer 800 is also programmed to cause an alarm in the event that the flow rate varies outside of preselected limits.
  • process gas is supplied from the gas cylinder 1020 through a supply line 1080.
  • a pressure gauge 1110 measures the pressure of the process gas flowing from cylinder 1020. As illustrated, the pressure gauge 1110 is connected to the supply line 1080, however, it is contemplated that pressure gauge may be connected directly to the gas cylinder 1020.
  • the pressure gauge 1110 is electronically coupled to an inventory control collar 100 to continuously or periodically transmit and record the process gas pressure.
  • the process gas pressure is transmitted and recorded.
  • the process gas pressure may then be transmitted to host computer 800.
  • the host computer 800 is programmed to compare the process gas pressure to a preselected value to determine whether the cylinder needs to be replaced. Alternatively, the host computer 800 is preprogrammed to indicate to an operator that the cylinder needs replacement based upon the process gas pressure.
  • the control module 500 or host computer 800 is also be programmed to cause an alarm in the event that the process gas pressure varies outside of preselected limits.

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EP98250044A 1997-02-14 1998-02-05 Système automatisé pour la poursuite de bouteilles de gaz Withdrawn EP0860648A3 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US802168 1997-02-14
US08/802,168 US5953682A (en) 1997-02-14 1997-02-14 Automated gas cylinder tracking system

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EP0860648A2 true EP0860648A2 (fr) 1998-08-26
EP0860648A3 EP0860648A3 (fr) 1999-05-06

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EP (1) EP0860648A3 (fr)
JP (1) JPH10267198A (fr)
KR (1) KR19980071312A (fr)
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TW (1) TW436857B (fr)

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EP1054363A1 (fr) 1999-05-21 2000-11-22 Sudco S.A. Procédé et dispositif de distribution de bouteilles de gaz
WO2001069340A2 (fr) * 2000-03-15 2001-09-20 Gaslow International Limited Systeme de controle
EP1260756A1 (fr) * 2001-05-25 2002-11-27 Flow Meter S.p.a. Méthode d'identification pour dispositifs médicaux, en particulier pour dispositifs de sécurité d'alimentation, et dispositifs médicaux améliorés selon ladite méthode
EP1284806A1 (fr) * 2000-05-03 2003-02-26 Advanced Technology Materials, Inc. Ensemble armoire a gaz comprenant un systeme de stockage et de distribution de gaz a base sorbant
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EP1022509A3 (fr) * 1999-01-23 2008-03-05 Air Liquide Deutschland GmbH Capteur de débit massique pour gaz liquifié
EP1022509A2 (fr) * 1999-01-23 2000-07-26 Messer Griesheim Gmbh Capteur de débit massique pour gaz liquifié
EP1054363A1 (fr) 1999-05-21 2000-11-22 Sudco S.A. Procédé et dispositif de distribution de bouteilles de gaz
FR2793927A1 (fr) * 1999-05-21 2000-11-24 Sudco S A Procede et dispositif de distribution de bouteilles de gaz
WO2001069340A2 (fr) * 2000-03-15 2001-09-20 Gaslow International Limited Systeme de controle
WO2001069340A3 (fr) * 2000-03-15 2002-01-24 Gaslow Internat Ltd Systeme de controle
EP1284806A1 (fr) * 2000-05-03 2003-02-26 Advanced Technology Materials, Inc. Ensemble armoire a gaz comprenant un systeme de stockage et de distribution de gaz a base sorbant
EP1284806A4 (fr) * 2000-05-03 2006-03-15 Advanced Tech Materials Ensemble armoire a gaz comprenant un systeme de stockage et de distribution de gaz a base sorbant
EP1260756A1 (fr) * 2001-05-25 2002-11-27 Flow Meter S.p.a. Méthode d'identification pour dispositifs médicaux, en particulier pour dispositifs de sécurité d'alimentation, et dispositifs médicaux améliorés selon ladite méthode
US8041792B2 (en) 2004-06-24 2011-10-18 Freestyle Technology Pty Ltd Client processor device for building application files from file fragments for different versions of an application
WO2006000033A1 (fr) * 2004-06-24 2006-01-05 Freestyle Technology Pty Ltd Dispositif compteur
US8669882B2 (en) 2004-06-24 2014-03-11 Freestyle Technology Pty Ltd Alert device
US9726515B2 (en) 2004-06-24 2017-08-08 Freestyle Technology Pty Ltd Meter device
US10284925B2 (en) 2004-06-24 2019-05-07 Freestyle Technology Limited Meter device
US8606891B2 (en) 2004-09-10 2013-12-10 Freestyle Technology Pty Ltd Client processor device for building application files from file fragments for different versions of an application
US7802462B2 (en) * 2005-01-12 2010-09-28 Micro Motion, Inc. Gas flowmeter calibration stand
US7619523B2 (en) 2006-09-25 2009-11-17 American Air Liquide, Inc. Gas cylinders monitoring by wireless tags
FR2918735A1 (fr) * 2007-07-12 2009-01-16 Messier Bugatti Sa Bouteille de gaz equipee d'un capteur radiofrequence
WO2009043983A1 (fr) * 2007-07-12 2009-04-09 Messier-Bugatti Bouteille de gaz equipee d'un capteur radiofrequence
EP2284433A1 (fr) * 2009-08-14 2011-02-16 IDtek Track-and-Trace S.A. Étiquette pour bouteilles, telles que les bouteilles à gaz
EP3886062A1 (fr) * 2020-03-23 2021-09-29 Tomra Systems ASA Indicateur d'alimentation d'objets de d'un (rvm) distributeur de déconsignation
WO2021191231A1 (fr) * 2020-03-23 2021-09-30 Tomra Systems Asa Indicateur d'alimentation de rvm

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KR19980071312A (ko) 1998-10-26
EP0860648A3 (fr) 1999-05-06
US5953682A (en) 1999-09-14
TW436857B (en) 2001-05-28
JPH10267198A (ja) 1998-10-09
CN1191309A (zh) 1998-08-26

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